Lovers of good Australian wine know that the Hunter Valley’s semillon is amongst the best in the world. The Hunter is the oldest continuously planted wine region in Australia. Fine wines are matched here by a determination to supply the freshest and best produce. So it’s not just great wine at the cellar door in the Hunter – visitors can  taste olives, cheeses, sourdough and other delicacies, all locally grown.
 
Fine golf courses – the Vintage Golf Resort was designed by Greg Norman – stylish spa retreats, outdoor pursuits such as hot air ballooning and 4WD tours into World Heritage Barrington Tops National Park make the Hunter Valley a perfect place to relax and enjoy. 

Boutique accommodation is a speciality here with funky, designer guesthouses such as Tonic Hotel or the luxurious, five star Tower Lodge. Resorts such as Hunter Valley Gardens, Peppers Guest House and Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley have sumptuous facilities from pools to spas, golf courses to bars and restaurants.

A region dedicated to producing some of Australia’s best Semillon and shiraz has to take fine dining seriously and, in the Hunter Valley, there are plenty of great places to eat out. There are the “stars” such as Esca, Bimbadgen Estate, a winery restaurant with delightful vineyard views and great Italian food. Roberts Restaurant at Pepper Tree is country dining at its best and Shakey Tables serves winning modern Australian cuisine in a funky setting.

Shopping in wine country is always fun. There are the favourite cellar doors to visit for samples – Tyrell’s, Mount Pleasant, Rosemount Estate – plus newer cellar doors such as The Boutique Wine Centre and Tintilla Estate.  But keep an eye out for local cheeses (Binnorie Fetta is fabulous) at the Hunter Valley Cheese Co or Binnorie Dairy. There are excellent antique and homeware shops packed with pretty ceramics, rugs, paintings and lovely garden furniture.

The Hunter Valley is that rare holiday destination where different ideas of a relaxing break can really be met. Like to play golf on a championship course set amidst vineyards? Tick. Want to detox and enjoy soothing massage treatments from head to toe? Tick. Love gardens and want to wander through a series of themed colourful gardens? Tick. Want to learn about and experience the pristine wilderness of a World Heritage national park? Tick.
For more information, see www.visitnsw.com